The tragic passing of TikTok sensation Emman Atienza has been officially ruled as a suicide by Los Angeles authorities. This heartbreaking event comes just a few months after she relocated to the city to embark on a new chapter in her life.
Atienza, who was 19 and had garnered a significant following on social media platforms, was determined to have died by suicide through ligature hanging, per the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s report released on Friday.
As reported by Deadline, she had journeyed to Los Angeles last summer, leaving behind her home in the Philippines.
Openly sharing her struggles, Atienza had previously expressed on Instagram in January her uncertainty about life as she entered 2024, revealing, “I came into 2024 unsure if I even wanted to live.”
Her post further elaborated on her battle with “treatment-resistant mental illness,” which had plagued her since the age of 12, noting that her condition had deteriorated over the years.
According to Atienza, she experienced a relapse into self-harm last year and subsequently traveled to Los Angeles in search of therapeutic help.
Heartbreakingly, she finished her post: ‘2024 was a whirlwind of ups and downs, but as I step into 2025, I can’t see a reason not to live.’
Her parents, Filipino television host Kim Atienza and businesswoman Felicia Hung, announced her ‘unexpected passing’ on Friday morning.
The 19-year-old, who had a large presence on social media, died from suicide by ligature hanging
In previous posts to her social media she was candid about her trouble with mental health
In a statement released on Friday, her family said: ‘It’s with deep sadness that we share the unexpected passing of our daughter and sister, Emman.
‘She brought so much joy, laughter, and love into our lives and into the lives of everyone who knew her.
‘Emman had a way of making people feel seen and heard, and she wasn’t afraid to share her own journey with mental health. Her authenticity helped so many feel less alone.
‘To honor Emman’s memory, we hope you carry forward the qualities she lived by: compassion, courage, and a little extra kindness in your everyday life. With love, Kim, Feli, Jose, and Eliana.’
She had a huge presence on social media – on Instagram she had over 225,000 followers. On TikTok, she boasted 866,000 followers and nearly 44.5 million likes.
Known for her fashion and style, she also posted about body positivity and inspirational messages.
Her last video, posted three days ago, was a compilation of her and her friends diving into a lake, rock climbing, and dancing.
Her accounts have since been inundated with heartfelt tributes by fans and loved ones.
Her father, Filipino TV host Kim, and her family, said in a statement that she brought them ‘so much joy, laughter, and love’
She had a huge presence on social media. She had over 866,000 followers on TikTok and 224,000 on Instagram
One said: ‘Can’t believe you’re gone. You were always present, silly, fun loving, bubbly and a light to be around. RIP Emman.’
Another wrote: ‘You’ll never be forgotten. Thank you for your voice, for fighting with us even in a short period of time. You helped so many people find their will and to see another day.’
A third said: ‘You never knew me, but I’ve been a silent fan. Your videos brought light to my darkest days. Somehow, you made me smile again.’
For help and support contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on 988.
